Welcome back to the Pfluger Fly-By, a weekly roundup of the work I am doing to represent you and our communities in Congress.
This week, I participated in a hearing to examine the real-world impact of the Democrats' DHS shutdown, where I called out my Democrat colleagues for their hypocrisy and unwillingness to support the men and women of TSA, Border Patrol, ICE, and Coast Guard.
On the legislative front, I'm proud to share that my bill to protect American companies operating abroad passed the U.S. House, and my Mystic Alerts Act advanced out of committee. I also participated in additional hearings focused on modernizing the 1996 Telecommunication Act and strengthening Arctic security, and joined national conversations on the Fox News Rundown Podcast and The Hugh Hewitt Show.
Back in the district, I helped secure $14.3 million for the Midland Air and Space Port and joined the KWEL Morning Show hosted by Craig Anderson. My office is also continuing to support students through incredible opportunities such as the Service Academy Night in Llano and the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.
Below, you'll find highlights from the week, including pictures, in-depth updates, and information on how my office can help you with any federal concerns. As always, my team and I are here to serve you. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
Best,
DHS Shutdown Reaches 42nd Day
As Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, I questioned witnesses during a full committee hearing this week on the real-world impacts of the Democrats' shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including its agencies, missions, and workforce. During the hearing, I also called out my Democrat colleagues for their repeated failure to fund DHS and prioritize the security of the American people.
The consequences are clear: frontline personnel are facing overwhelming operational strain due to repeated failures to fund DHS. As thousands of Americans wait in endless airport lines and threats to our homeland are heightened, this must end. I remain committed to funding DHS and ensuring these individuals have the resources, support, and pay they deserve.
Following the hearing, I joined The Hugh Hewitt Show to discuss these challenges and the path forward. Watch the interview here.
You can watch my full line of questioning here or by clicking on the image below.
My Defending American Property Abroad Act Passes the U.S. House
Today's House passage of my bipartisan legislation, the Defending American Property Abroad Act, was a necessary step in protecting American businesses and workers from unfair treatment overseas. When countries violate trade agreements and illegally seize assets from U.S. companies, it puts American job security, economic security, and national security at risk. This legislation is critical because it ensures there are enforceable consequences for those actions.
The Defending American Property Abroad Act sends a clear message to any foreign government that the United States will not tolerate this behavior and that we will defend our economic interests, uphold the rule of law, and stand firmly behind American companies operating abroad. I am thrilled to see this pass with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I will continue advocating for it until it passes through the Senate and is signed into law.
Watch my full remarks in support of the legislation here or by clicking on the image below.
Fox News Rundown
This morning, I joined the Fox News Rundown Podcast to discuss updates on the operations in Iran and the Air Force's pivotal role. I also discussed my recent op-ed in the Washington Post and what must be done to ensure the U.S. military is prepared for the remainder of this conflict and any potential future ones. Read the op-ed here.
You can also watch the full interview here or by clicking the image below.
Mystic Alerts Act Advances out of Energy & Commerce Committee
When disaster strikes, communication infrastructure is often the first thing to fail, especially in rural areas. After the devastating floods of July 4th in Central and West Texas, we must ensure every American receives life-saving emergency alerts when it matters most.
I am grateful that my Mystic Alerts Act passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee this week with unanimous, bipartisan support. This legislation is personal to me, and its passage is critical to integrate satellite networks into wireless emergency alert processes to ensure we are better prepared for the next emergency.
Watch my full remarks in support of the Mystic Alerts Act here or by clicking the image below.
Securing $14.3 Million for the Midland Air and Space Port
The Permian Basin powers our entire nation, and investing in the necessary infrastructure and technology to sustain it is critical to the strength of our energy industry and our economy. I am proud to announce that I helped secure $14.3 million for the Midland International Air and Space Port. This investment will help expand the terminal by over 15,000 square feet, bolstering its capacity to handle the rapidly growing volume of travelers going in and out of Midland and Odessa.
Texas priorities deserve their share of federal support, especially when our area provides the critical food, energy, and national security the rest of the country has come to count on. I will always advocate to ensure that federal dollars are brought back home to Texas-11.
Read more about the investment in the Odessa American here or by clicking the image below.
